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Resolving to lean on God

Pastor Brad Butler, First Baptist Church, Pembroke

Updated:
Jan. 5, 2019, 5 a.m.

What a contrast! Last year the high on New Year’s Day was 39 degrees, and the low was 24. This year we reached 84 degrees on the first day of the year.

You never know what the weather might be in coastal Georgia, and that can mean on the same day. You’ve heard the old adage, “Don’t like the weather? Hang around a minute.”

The weather is certainly difficult to predict. I would think that 100 percent chance of rain means that it is going to rain without a doubt, but I’ve seen it happen the other way. The truth is even with the marvelous technology that we have, there are times when we just get it wrong.

I know that is true for us in our Christian walk, as well. You’ve all been to the funeral where someone is described as an angel. We never speak ill of someone on the day we lay him or her to rest. And yet, every person we meet has foibles and issues.

All of us fall on our faces, no matter how many times we vow to stay on our feet.

The problem? That would be our sinful nature.

The Bible says, “All have sinned …” and, “There is none righteous.” That offends the sensibilities of many. We all like to think of ourselves as strong and good and right.

Keep this in mind. When I say that you are a sinner I am not saying that you are as horrible as you could be. I’m simply saying that you are not as good as you should be. You mess up. You miss the mark.

So we see the problem. Is there an answer? Again, the Bible offers the solution to our deepest need. It says, “In that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

God doesn’t wait for you to be perfect. He sent Jesus for us because he knows that we desperately need his help. And for that we are grateful.

Many of you have already made resolutions for the New Year. Mine this year is very simple. I’m going to lean more heavily on God’s grace. I certainly need it. I have nothing else. Truth be told, neither do you.